Malacañang Palace responds to Sara Duterte’s press conference

By Trisha Matabalan, Philippine Canadian Inquirer

May 19, 2026

(Photo courtesy: RTVMalacang)

Philippines – On February 18, 2026, Vice President Sara Duterte announced her intention to run during the 2028 Presidential Election.

On the same day, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro relays Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s response, which was a simple “Good luck,” and informs the public that he is aware of the contents of Duterte’s statement, from her regrets to her asking the Filipino public for forgiveness.

When asked about whether any of Duterte’s statements are true – more specifically about the alleged lack of sincerity in campaign promises and her asking for forgiveness for “helping BBM get elected into office,” Castro specifies that it was the people who chose to vote for Bongbong Marcos.

“Kung ano po ang natulong niya, parehos po naman silang nagtulungan dahil ito po ay Uniteam, kaya ‘wag niya po ito solohin ang credit kung nanalo man ang Pangulo,” she says. Uniteam was the tandem name created during their election season.

(“Whatever she helped, they both helped each other, that’s why it’s a Uniteam, that’s why she shouldn’t claim the credit if the President won.”)

Castro also adds that the people see who between both parties can be seen working: a working President or the Vice President. On Duterte’s claims of corruption, the PCO Undersecretary calls for more transparency on the confidential funds of her two offices at the time: the OVP and DepEd.

She further refutes any of Sara Duterte’s further claims, bringing up the flood control projects during her father’s – former Rodrigo Duterte – own presidency.

When asked on the Palace’s stance on Duterte running for President, Castro says, “Wala pong nararamdaman ang Palasyo patungkol diyan. Depende na po sa tao kung paano nila susuriin ang mga kandidato.”

(“The Palace feels nothing about that. The screening of the candidates depends on the people.”)